IPL 2018: 5 players who can replace Kagiso Rabada

DD will be surely looking forward to bagging the services of these players.

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Kagiso Rabada of Delhi Daredevils
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Kagiso Rabada of Delhi Daredevils. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)

Delhi Daredevils was dealt with a severe blow when the news of Kagiso Rabada ruling out of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) hit them. The tournament is just two days away and they will have to seek a replacement now for one of their gun bowlers who was tipped as the best player for them. Delhi will be led by Gautam Gambhir this year and will play their first match against Kings XI Punjab. However, the franchise will be looking for an able replacement for the South African fast bowler.

As far as the overseas bowlers are concerned, the team already boasts of the likes of Chris Morris, Trent Boult and Daniel Christian. But an injury to Rabada must have jeopardised their plans and his absence will be felt as he was in great form in the recent Test series against Australia. He was also named Man of the Series for his consistent performances but sustained lower back stress in the process only to be ruled out of the Indian T20 extravaganza.

Here we bring you the list of five players who can replace Kagiso Rabada:

1. David Willey

David Willey, the left-arm pacer, unleashes his bag of tricks while bowling in the shortest format of the game. His bowling has improved a lot in the recent past and could prove a smart pick for Daredevils if they could go for him. His explosive batting is an added advantage for any team and DD can use him as a pinch-hitter during the course of the tournament. Moreover, he also has an experience of playing in India which also works in his favour.

The 28-year-old has so far played in as many as 147 T20s scalping 143 wickets at an amazing strike rate of 16.7. He has conceded 7.82 runs per over which is decent given the fact that he bowls all the difficult overs in the shortest format. Interestingly, Willey has a couple of centuries to his name with the bat to add to 7 half-centuries and has amassed 2097 runs at a sensational strike rate of 142.55. DD will be benefitted in both the departments on the field if they sign Willey for the upcoming season.

2. Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel
Morne Morkel. (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Morne Morkel could also prove to be a worthy replacement for the Proteas pacer. His height works in his favour mostly as he can generate bounce from the surface and pick crucial wickets whenever his team would need. Morkel has featured before Delhi franchise and has fared decently for them. It would be interesting to see if he accepts the offer in case DD approaches him to play in the IPL this year.

As far as the experience is concerned, there is no shortage with this 33-year-old cricketer. He has seen it all while playing for his country in last 12 years. In the T20s, he has played in 165 matches picking 178 wickets at an average of 25.61. He has provided breakthroughs for his team after delivering every 20.6 balls. He will also guide the young bowlers in the squad and can also play the role of mentor for them.

3. Tymal Mills

Tymal Mills
Tymal Mills. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Tymal Mills was a huge buy in the auction last year only to go unsold this year. He failed to justify the price tag while featuring for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He had a decent season playing in the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) and also fared well in the Big Bash League (BBL). Mills could be a worthy pick as he is fit and raring to go as well in the IPL. Also, he was expecting a call-up in case any bowlers get injured and the time might have come for him to prove himself.

The youngster has featured in 85 T20s across all the leagues in the world and has foxed the batsmen 94 times courtesy the variations he possesses. The economy rate of less than 8 is commendable on his part and an even better strike rate of 18.8 makes him one of the better bowlers going around in T20 circuit.

4. Jhye Richardson

Jhye Richardson of Western Australia
Jhye Richardson (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Jhye Richardson is known for his raw pace with the ball in hand who has the ability of hustle the batsmen. The youngster has recently burst into the international scene and has played only 3 international matches for Australia. He touched the speed of 150kph during one of the matches which is impressive. He will be the like-for-like replacement for Rabada as far as the pace is concerned.

Richardson has played 19 matches in the shortest so far and has picked 20 wickets at an economy rate of over 9. Though he is expensive, he will get better after playing more. He had a decent season for Perth Scorchers in BBL this year and might surprise many batsmen in the IPL if given an opportunity. DD can think of him in case they have to catch other teams off guard during the tournament with this upcoming youngster from down under.

5. Andile Phehlukwayo

Andile Phehlukwayo news
Andile Phehlukwayo  (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Yet another teammate of Rabada could replace him in Delhi Daredevils line-up. Andile Phehlukwayo is an all-rounder from South Africa and much like Willey he can also tonk the ball a long way. He displayed his hitting skills in the ODI and T20I series against India in February. He bowls well enough and can deliver four overs for his captain whenever he is needed to do the same.

Phehlukwayo has so far picked 35 wickets in 49 T20 matches which are not great stats but he will make the difference if more confidence is shown in him. He showed the glimpse of it earlier this year and surely could prove to be a worthy pick for a team like Daredevils. Though it is highly unlikely that the franchise would approach him given that they will need a proper bowler to replace Rabada.

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